FRA - Welcome to the basketball village

TOULOUSE/RODEZ (2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – There’s more to basketball than what takes placeon the court. That is the point the Local Organising Committee (LOC) sent out by implementing the concept of a “basketball village” during the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.

Whether in Toulouse or Rodez, those who were on hand for the tournament could find stands outside the arena. Everything anyone could wish for was there: basketball activities, an official French Basketball Federation (FFBB) boutique, regional products and an eatery known as the Bodega where beer, food as well as various snacks and meals could be had at a reasonable price.

Fans, volunteers, event organisers, officials and even teams met at the village throughout the championship. That is where you could walk around and see the American players smiling away with ice creams in their hands.

The basketball stand featured several activities designed to entertain fans between the games taking place in the arena. You could try your hand at the passing wall or go for the more complex contest where you had one minute to score as many baskets as possible on an inflatable basketball net from different positions. It was a great success not only with fans but also with players, as a number of Russians, Belgians and Americans all tried it out. Even Argentina’s coach, Eduardo Pinto, tried his luck. The record holder is a 12-year-old by the name of Alan, who scored an impressive 54 points.

The FFBB were situated next door where pens, hats, t-shirts, cups and a myriad of other products with the tournament’s logo were being sold. The most popular items were green and white bracelets which the Belgian players wore. The Japanese preferred the pens and bought hundreds of them.

Walk a bit further and your senses will be awakened…welcome to the region of Haute-Garonne where you will find local gastronomy or perfumes. This proved to be a big hit with the Americans.

UNICEF came to the basketball village to serve a very good purpose by raising funds and increasing the awareness of the young fans to the United Nations Children’s Fund. Children from activity centres in Toulouse and Rodez, who filled the stands to cheer on the teams during the games, then came out and took part in quizzes to find out more about malnutrition and access to drinkable water.

In the evening, everyone heads to the Bodega where they eat and drink to their heart’s content. Those who didn’t lose their eco-cups – one of the symbols of the environmental awareness and commitment of the tournament – can enjoy a refreshment and try the famous sausages of Toulouse. A group of Belgian fans live up to their title as world champions in beer consumption by keeping the bar staff busy. It actually becomes a bit of a concern for the organisers. A volunteer who worked behind the bar reveals that Belgium’s defeat against France will be bad news for the Bodega as the Belgians are their best customers. They sure are and can be found throughout the basketball village despite their team’s heartbreaking defeat.

As night falls, the time has to relax after a tense and moving day. As expected, most of the people are gathering at the stand “Les trésors de Louis” (Louis’ treasures) to drink one – or often more – glass of wine! Eric, a former manager of a big German firm turned passionate representative of small regional producers talks about how he has found a new lease of life after dropping the boring nine-to-five lifestyle. In addition to his new activity, he is a referee in the French second professional division. He loves his traditions: salami and French cheese to be served with the various vintages – white, rosé or red wines should be enough to match your tastes. There’s something for everyone. Following France’s win on Saturday night, it’s happy hour. The French making it through to the final calls for a drink! Fairplay Belgians celebrate too. The party ends very late in the night. All in all, everyone really is part of one big family…

FIBA / LOC